My Prada saffiano tote is still one of my all-time favorite bags, but with the creeping price points (the size I own is now just shy of $2,400) I’m always keeping an eye out for “looks for less” for anyone interested. We’ve talked about the Tory Burch “Robinson” as an alternative before in the $400 – 600 range, but I recently came across the MICHAEL Michael Kors “Sutton” satchel (6+ colors) in person, and thought it was a pretty good dupe for even less! 
The ones I’m showing in this post are on temporary “price match” markdown at Nordstrom right now (I’m not sure which retailer they are price matching – if you know, please comment!) making it a very fair value at $262. I’m personally not a fan of the large gold MK medallion circle, but once that comes off, I think the bag itself is easily a classic wardrobe staple.
The Sutton satchel comes in three sizes that I know of – small/medium/large. I’m showing the medium in these photos and didn’t see the other two sizes at my local store for comparison. I felt this one looked pretty balanced and proportionate on my frame, whether it was carried by hand, on the crook of my arm, or via the adjustable crossbody or shoulder strap. To fit a standard laptop though, my guess is going up to the next size might be necessary.
The saffiano material which I love in general felt durable and scratch resistant, and all of my favorite little features of the Prada double zip tote were carried over to the MK dupe.
Sutton feature summary:
– scratch-resistant saffiano leather
– double zippers at the top of the bag which open into large sectionals, and small zip pocket on the inside
– detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
– magnetic small flap closure
– snap buttons on both sides to either keep the sides folded in or expanded
– attached keyring lanyard, which I enjoyed quite a bit as a chronic key-loser
All three colors shown above are classic, but what really captured my attention was their gorgeous pale blue + gold variation for spring. I ordered this online with the 20% off price matching and will do an updated review once it comes in!
Here’s two more bag styles I tried on over the past month (am guilty of defaulting to this exact outfit on several occasions…it’s just too comfy : ). From the upper left, I’ve been swooning over all the gold hardware, chevron patterns, and tassel details on Saint Laurent bags. They have a few styles that I feel are very reminiscent of some Chanel classics like the flap bag and the wallet on chain, at quite a bit less than Chanel’s current prices.
On the upper right is the Tory Burch “York” tote mentioned earlier this month, shown in the small size. It’s a very basic design with a zippered center compartment, made entirely in the coated saffiano leather. I liked the simple lines and especially appreciated adjustable double shoulder straps – I’ve had so many totes fit well over bare shoulders in the summer, but are a struggle to wrestle on over thick winter layers! I already have my beloved blush pink Ann Taylor gallery tote, so was just trying this one for sizing review purposes.
Do any of you own the MK Sutton satchel? I’d love to hear any thoughts on how to care for it, and how it holds up over time!
Thanks for the reply! Do you think I should maybe give the size 7 a chance considering how tight the toe box seems whenever I walk?
Hi Jean, I am searching your posts and your IG posts and cannot seem to find the code for the the Baublebar pieces. Can you please let me know what that would be? I love your posts and am so glad to have found your blog!
I'm not sure if I can be at all helpful but I bought the BP ankle booties as well. I flip flop between 6.5 and 7. For these booties, I bought the 7 and haven't looked back. I usually wear socks with the boots but I've never had the pain you are talking about. I have worn the booties all day at work and walked extensively in them. Maybe it's not the right size?
Hi Jean! After seeing so many of your posts with those BP ankle booties, I decided to finally buy a black pair for myself. I'm usually a size 6 in most shoes, a 6.5 if it runs small. I ended up getting the 6.5 for this pair because the sz 7 was a bit loose on me. These booties are so painful for me! Every time I take a step my toes are getting crushed against the toe box! I get calluses on the bottom of my toes. I was wondering if I'm just not used to wearing heels or if I'm wearing the wrong size. It seems like nobody has this problem but me!
Yay, I hope you'll love the peanut! Such a versatile everyday color : )
I hope you love it as much as I do! It's my favorite piece from their collaboration and not too heavy in my opinion for a statement piece : ）
Thanks so much for the tip! I was able to and hope others are too : )
Thanks! I rechecked your post yesterday and saw the link for the code. I bought it yesterday!
Bloomingdale's has this purse with 25% off right now in even more colors. Jean, maybe Nordstrom will offer a price adjustment for you?
The small one is super cute! I tried it on as well.
I've read the Selma reviews often at Elle's blog and have often been tempted! So good to know that it's maintained it's shape, color and the finish of the saffiano leather.
Good to know! I'm guessing it might be the Selma bag?
Thanks for the info!
I got the Peanut! Thanks Jean. I cant wait to see how you style your pale blue =)
I LOVE the Dooney Willa! Just a lil heavy for me and haven't found a color in it that I really love (although the smoke grey was a close contender). The pebbled leather is lovely.
I can't speak for the long-term quality personally since I just bought mine, but I have several friends who own the Michael MK Selma saffiano bags and they love them. I've never heard any of them say that it fell apart on them, so that's disappointing to hear about your friends!
I have not! Will keep an eye out the next time I'm in a store that sells the brand.
Hi there! It's from the Wendy's Lookbook x Baublebar collection and is one necklace. I love it! I linked to it right below the first fitting room photo.
Hi there – I'm pretty sure I'm trying on the peanut in the photo which was fairly close to my saffiano caramello. My prada (the larger of their mediums) is the closest to the MK medium, maybe half an inch taller but very similar in width.
Hi Em – I think both are great neutrals but I personally would go with the lighter peanut! If you can't decide, you should check out these bags in store (at Macys, Nordstrom, and Michael Kors stores and probably many others) to see the colors in person : )
Help, I can't decide on the color luggage or peanut! any thoughts jean?
Thanks,
Em
The MK is a great choice and so beautiful. Thanks for sharing! It's so nice that they've done this bag with really small and minimal logos to make it more expensive looking.
Elle
http://www.ellesequations.com
$2400, ouch.
the MK is a really great dupe.
thanks for sharing !
🙂
vanessa
grace-and-gratitude.blogspot.com
I am not a big fan of the big MK medallion circle or the MK monogram either. But this one here looks really classy. I will definitely have a better look at the collection now. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Jean, is the one in the picture the peanut color? I'm debating between the peanut and luggage colors and want to get the one more similar to the Prada saffiano in caramel. Also I really like the size of your Prada bag. Would you say that the medium Sutton or large Sutton is closer in size to your Prada? Thanks!
Nah, thanks… Carrying an MK that looks like a more expensive bag just looks like you couldn't afford the more expensive bag… Why not just go for a more creative take in a lower priced purse.
Love these bags, specially the blue one!
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Jean – love the necklaces you are wearing! can you provide the links to those? Are they multiple necklaces or a multi-strand one?
Gorgeous! My roommate has one, and she really likes it 🙂
Easy, Frugal Style
So gorgeous!!!
XoXo One Stiletto At A Time
Jean, have you tried DKNY Saffiano bags? They are gorgeous.
I just HAD to comment because I have this exact bag in the small pale blue. It's not TOO big, but proportionally to my 5ft2 size, I think its perfect. The fact that I has two zippered pokets on either side of the purse, with may other nooks, (not to mention a key hook to attach your car keys) I absolutely love this bag.
Fun fact on the michael kors website, my EXACT bag that I got for around 300 is on sale for about 198 without taxes.
You have to buy two bags to get the 25% off at Macy's
I own several MK bags and they are very durable. I haven't have any problems with them. I don't have the Sutton bag but I do have one similar by Ralph Lauren. I wish I can afford a Prada but that's like two house payments! I choose house over bag! Lol
$246 at Macys http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/michael-michael-kors-sutton-medium-satchel?ID=1380460&CategoryID;=26846&zone;=PDP_ZONE_B&choiceId;=cidBA0011-51d4b8b8-9361-4115-8d99-79bda1cbf764@H5@you might also like …$26846$1380460&REC;=PDPZ2_Pos3
Macy is even cheaper $246
Wow, love all the colors. MK always has the nicest handbags! Plus, your outfit is too cute 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Instagram
This was an informative post because I haven't taken a look at the Sutton before. The inside does seem similar to your Prada tote. From the outside, I prefer the design of the Dillon Saffiano and Casey, although the Casey (size small) has a pretty narrow opening. Your choice of pale blue for the Sutton sounds lovely.
I'm not sure how the Sutton will hold up over time, but my Selma saffiano has maintained its shape and colour, and hasn't shown any scratches on the leather over the year I've used it. The signs of wear include the feet at the base which have become mildly scuffed up and initially the thread came loose on one of the handles, so I used a needle to re-thread it. The exterior seems to be easily cleaned with water. I really like carrying the Selma because it's light and durable, so I'm guessing the Sutton will be similar in this regards.
Also, love the design of the YSL "Cassandre". I wish they offered another similar design with a discrete logo or replaced it with another clasp.
Can you please talk about the quality of the MK bags? Every person I have ever met with a MK bag has said that it fell apart on them and that MK had to send them a replacement. In most cases the MK replacement bag wasn't the same as the original.
I think it's useful to point this out since they are still somewhat expensive and shouldn't fall apart at that price point.
Love all the bags you tried on! Personally I have trouble walking away from Marc by Marc bag presentations, even when I tell myself this time around I'm going to get something else….. ;P
xoxo,
Alice // Blog Inconnue // Owner of shop Inconnue
Love all the bags featured, they are such classics! Beautiful designs!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
I've been seeing lots of these copycat bags out there. There is one from Henri Bendel, and I just recently purchased the Dooney Bourke Willa satchel in midnight navy, which I can fit my laptop in. Great bags!
Great review! I just went for the Tory Burch York Buckle Tote since I think it's a nice in between option. The MK bag looks great too!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
How are you liking your Prada saffiano? I was going to buy a work/school tote bag for September and was debating between the Prada saffiano, the Louis Neverfull or the Givenchy Lucrezia. I actually really love the shape of the Louis Neverfull, I feel like it would…never get full haha but I've just seen so many fakes of it and everyone has it in NYC now….
I've never been a fan of Michael Kors. It's weird, I feel like they're becoming the Coach of 2004 and Coach is now stepping up their game. It's reversed a bit.
Of the last two bags you pictured, get the YSL! The shape and colors are so retro. I love it!
–coffeeslag
I have a shiny red Michael Kors tote that's similar to the one you reviewed, the differences are a) mine doesn't have the zippered pockets and b) it's a little more structured and boxy. Mine is big enough to put an I-Pad in, but it's not the biggest size they had. I bought it last year during Macy's Friends and Family sale. Everywhere I go I get compliments on it, people are constantly asking me where I got it. I like it because it only has the Michael Kors name in gold like yours, it doesn't have the medallions or chains or any other bling on it, so it's a great classic bag. I do wish I had the zippered pockets yours does, but that bag didn't come in the shiny red color, and I decided I loved the red so much it was worth giving up the pockets. I also love love love the keyring lanyard, I think every purse should have one. It's a great all-season bag, I bought it for summer but loved it so much I continued to carry it through the fall and winter. My bag has held up extremely well, after daily use since last May it still looks almost new! Based on this experience I would definitely buy another Michael Kors bag.
Pale blue sounds great! <3
Shall We Sasa
I love MK totes!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
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ah, the powder blue one is so pretty, would be perfect for the upcoming seasons…
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
Nice post! I've always thought the Michael Kors bag was a bit too stiff looking to be a dupe for the Prada bag, but maybe it's because I've never seen them side by side in real life!
Joyce
b-w-validation.com